I am sorry to let you know of the passing of classmate Jack (John J.) Armstrong on September 18 from a severe respiratory issue. He and Connie moved up to Phoenix from Maricopa some time ago and have been near their son and his family. I had a sweet conversation with their daughter-in-law who told me of their status and provided me with the following contact information in case you want to reach out to Connie (Stewart) and the family. Jack retired in July. The Life Celebration Gathering on the flier below is an Open House for anyone who wants to attend. She asked how many were in our class. I told her we had 508! ….but only have contact with about 150.
She said it was ok to share Connie’s contact info in case you’d like to send her a note or card. Connie Armstrong 4779 East Navajo Street Phoenix, AZ 85044 Connie does not do email much and no FB account. Her daughter-in-law gave me her own email account though, if you want to send Connie a note sooner than later: cnarmstrong@cox.net phone: 480-227-5145 You may need to leave a voice message.
From Don Adams 9/26/18: I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I kept thinking yesterday evening about Jack in the eighth grade and high school - his smile, good looks and most of all his uncanny ability to run the football.
Though for some crazy reason we never worked together in a store or office, both Jack and I spent our entire adult lives working for Bashas' Family of Stores. Jack worked in store produce departments and our buying office. When he retired he was in charge of our company's produce procurement operation. Easy to talk with, open and friendly, he was just so well thought of by all he knew. His knowledge of both people and produce was exemplary. People simply loved working for and with Jack Armstrong. It was easy to understand why he trained many of our best produce managers, supervisors and buyers. He really made a positive difference for Bashas', its members and its customers.
Jack and I both retired from Bashas' in the spring of 2016. He had 47 years of service under his belt. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to attend his retirement party, given by his colleagues and various produce distributor buddies of his. He and Connie (and their kids) were in great spirits. He had a great life, but I still wish Jack could have had a few more years to enjoy all he had worked so hard for - more time playing with grand kids and enjoying football and baseball games. May he rest well.
9/26/18 From Dave Bauer: FAREWELL DEAR CLASSMATE, JACK!, LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN HEAVEN! LOVE, PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES TO JACK'S FAMILY, DAVE BAUER
Bashas' former lead produce buyer Jack Armstrong dies at 67 SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 - Published in The Produce News - Founded in NYC 1897
John (Jack) Armstrong, who spent 47 years working at Bashas', died Tuesday, Sept. 18. He was 67. Mr. Armstrong became a Bashas’ member in February 1969, starting as a courtesy clerk. In July 1990, he was promoted to produce manager. He was a produce assistant buyer beginning in January 1994 and was later promoted to lead produce buyer. Mr. Armstrong’s 47-year career with Bashas’ concluded when he retired in April 2016. His awards include the following: Outstanding Individual of the Month and the Customer Service Award, and he was nominated numerous times for Produce Manager of the Year and Man of the Year. "Jack developed partnerships throughout the produce industry," said Cheryl Hebison, produce buyer at Bashas'. "He had a wealth of knowledge and had extreme passion for the business." A celebration of Mr. Armstrong’s life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 150 W. Jeanine Drive in Tempe, AZ. Dress is casual, but sporting team attire is recommended: Mr. Armstrong’s favorite teams were the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona State University. In lieu of gifts, donations to Phoenix Children’s Hospital would be greatly appreciated.
Kathryn McDowell
I am sorry to let you know of the passing of classmate Jack (John J.) Armstrong on September 18 from a severe respiratory issue. He and Connie moved up to Phoenix from Maricopa some time ago and have been near their son and his family. I had a sweet conversation with their daughter-in-law who told me of their status and provided me with the following contact information in case you want to reach out to Connie (Stewart) and the family. Jack retired in July. The Life Celebration Gathering on the flier below is an Open House for anyone who wants to attend. She asked how many were in our class. I told her we had 508! ….but only have contact with about 150.
She said it was ok to share Connie’s contact info in case you’d like to send her a note or card. Connie Armstrong 4779 East Navajo Street Phoenix, AZ 85044 Connie does not do email much and no FB account. Her daughter-in-law gave me her own email account though, if you want to send Connie a note sooner than later: cnarmstrong@cox.net phone: 480-227-5145 You may need to leave a voice message.
Kathryn McDowell
From Don Adams 9/26/18: I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I kept thinking yesterday evening about Jack in the eighth grade and high school - his smile, good looks and most of all his uncanny ability to run the football.
Though for some crazy reason we never worked together in a store or office, both Jack and I spent our entire adult lives working for Bashas' Family of Stores. Jack worked in store produce departments and our buying office. When he retired he was in charge of our company's produce procurement operation. Easy to talk with, open and friendly, he was just so well thought of by all he knew. His knowledge of both people and produce was exemplary. People simply loved working for and with Jack Armstrong. It was easy to understand why he trained many of our best produce managers, supervisors and buyers. He really made a positive difference for Bashas', its members and its customers.
Jack and I both retired from Bashas' in the spring of 2016. He had 47 years of service under his belt. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to attend his retirement party, given by his colleagues and various produce distributor buddies of his. He and Connie (and their kids) were in great spirits. He had a great life, but I still wish Jack could have had a few more years to enjoy all he had worked so hard for - more time playing with grand kids and enjoying football and baseball games. May he rest well.
Sincerely,
Don Adams
Kathryn McDowell
9/26/18 From Dave Bauer: FAREWELL DEAR CLASSMATE, JACK!, LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN HEAVEN! LOVE, PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES TO JACK'S FAMILY, DAVE BAUER
Kathryn McDowell
9/26/18 Additional comments from classmates:
Kathryn McDowell
11/28/18 - Online Obituary
Bashas' former lead produce buyer Jack Armstrong dies at 67 SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 - Published in The Produce News - Founded in NYC 1897
John (Jack) Armstrong, who spent 47 years working at Bashas', died Tuesday, Sept. 18. He was 67. Mr. Armstrong became a Bashas’ member in February 1969, starting as a courtesy clerk. In July 1990, he was promoted to produce manager. He was a produce assistant buyer beginning in January 1994 and was later promoted to lead produce buyer. Mr. Armstrong’s 47-year career with Bashas’ concluded when he retired in April 2016. His awards include the following: Outstanding Individual of the Month and the Customer Service Award, and he was nominated numerous times for Produce Manager of the Year and Man of the Year. "Jack developed partnerships throughout the produce industry," said Cheryl Hebison, produce buyer at Bashas'. "He had a wealth of knowledge and had extreme passion for the business." A celebration of Mr. Armstrong’s life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 150 W. Jeanine Drive in Tempe, AZ. Dress is casual, but sporting team attire is recommended: Mr. Armstrong’s favorite teams were the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona State University. In lieu of gifts, donations to Phoenix Children’s Hospital would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.producenews.com/the-produce-news-today-s-headlines/25054-bashas-former-lead-produce-buyer-jack-armstrong-dies-at-76